Elote Pasta Salad Recipe: 5 Easy Ways to Add Bold Flavor

Name: Elote Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz chickpea rotini pasta (like Banza); 2 cups corn kernels (roasted or grilled); 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta); Juice and zest of 2 limes; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (or parsley); 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional); 1/2 cup diced bell pepper or scallions (optional); 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup olive oil mayonnaise; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe is what happens when smoky, creamy Mexican street corn takes a summer vacation with pasta. I got the idea while grilling shrimp tacos with mango salsa—it hit me: “Let’s make a zesty corn salad… with pasta.” This is everything you want at a cookout. It’s light, creamy, tangy, and can be a stellar side or bulked up into a main with shredded chicken or grilled shrimp.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Salad Ingredients

Chickpea pasta (like Banza Rotini) – extra protein and fiber, and holds dressing better than regular pasta
Corn kernels – roasted or grilled, fresh or frozen, just get some char on them
Cotija cheese – salty, crumbly Mexican cheese; feta works in a pinch
Fresh lime juice and zest – big flavor with no fuss
Cilantro – parsley if you’re not into cilantro
Optional: cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, or whatever’s crisp in your fridge

Dressing Ingredients

Greek yogurt – creamy, tangy, and protein-rich
Olive oil mayonnaise – less saturated fat, smooth texture
Lime juice and zest, garlic powder, chili powder – this is where your flavor lives
Salt and black pepper – to taste

Vegan option: Use dairy-free yogurt and mayo, and a vegan cheese if needed.

How to Make Elote Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil—think ocean-level salty. This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out. Add the chickpea rotini and cook it until just al dente—you want it with a little bite since it’ll sit in dressing later.
Drain it well, then immediately toss with a light drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking together. Spread it out on a baking sheet or shallow dish and let it cool completely. This is crucial—warm pasta will soak up the dressing and turn gluey. Trust me, patience pays off.

Step-by-step Elote pasta salad prep with pasta, roasted corn, dressing, and mixed ingredients.

Step 2: Roast the Corn

You’ve got options here. Use fresh corn on the cob, frozen corn, or even leftover grilled corn.

For fresh corn, grill it directly over flames or in a hot pan until the kernels get charred and blistered.
For frozen corn, toss it straight into a hot dry skillet—no oil—and stir occasionally until golden brown and toasty.

Let the corn cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob or transfer from the pan to a bowl. That caramelized corn flavor is going to drive this salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

Greek yogurt (for tang and protein)
Olive oil mayo (for creaminess)
Juice and zest of two limes
Chili powder and garlic powder for warmth and depth
Salt and pepper, to taste

Taste your dressing. Too tangy? Add a bit more mayo. Want more heat? Sprinkle in chili flakes. This dressing should be zippy and bold—it’s the flavor foundation.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Grab your biggest mixing bowl. Combine:

The cooled pasta
Roasted corn kernels
Optional veggies like diced bell pepper or scallions
A handful of crumbled cotija cheese
Chopped cilantro (or parsley if you’re anti-cilantro)

Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently but thoroughly. You want every groove of pasta and every bite of corn coated with that creamy, citrusy goodness.
Chill the salad for at least 10 minutes to let all the flavors blend together—longer if you can.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

A creamy Elote pasta salad recipe featuring shell pasta, roasted corn, cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime, all tossed together and served in a vibrant blue bowl.

Right before serving, hit it with a final squeeze of fresh lime juice and another sprinkle of cotija cheese or herbs. That fresh pop makes the flavors come alive. Serve cold or room temp. If it’s been chilling for a day or two, give it a stir and a quick taste—adjust seasoning if needed.

This is the kind of salad that gets better with a little rest. Just don’t skip the pasta cooling—that’s how you keep it creamy, not clumpy.

Variations

Spicy: Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or red chili flakes
Deluxe: Add black beans, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes
High-Protein: Stir in grilled chicken or shrimp
Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and mayo; skip or sub the cheese

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days
It actually tastes better the next day
Before serving, stir and freshen it up with a splash of lime or olive oil if needed

Expert Tips

Always toss pasta with olive oil to prevent clumping
Let pasta cool fully—hot pasta kills creamy dressings
Use a pasta shape with grooves so dressing sticks
Add fresh herbs and cheese right before serving for best flavor and texture

Registered Dietitian Tip

This recipe skips the full-fat mayo and uses Greek yogurt and olive oil mayo instead, cutting down on saturated fats. Bonus: you get more probiotics, protein, calcium, and fiber—all in one bowl.

Benefits of Elote Pasta Salad

Benefit	Why It Matters
High in Protein	Chickpea pasta and Greek yogurt add plant-based protein to keep you fuller longer.
Rich in Fiber	Great for digestion and blood sugar balance, thanks to legumes and vegetables.
Gut-Friendly	Greek yogurt provides probiotics to support digestive health.
Lighter Fat Profile	Olive oil mayo and yogurt reduce saturated fat compared to traditional mayo.
Customizable	Easily adapts to vegan, gluten-free, or high-protein diets.
Meal Prep Approved	Holds up well in the fridge and gets better with time.
Flavor-Packed	Smoky, creamy, tangy—layers of bold Mexican-inspired flavor in every bite.
Perfect for Cookouts	Travels well, feeds a crowd, and works with almost any summer spread.

FAQ

Is it healthy?

Yes. It’s got protein, fiber, good fats, calcium, and loads of flavor.

Can I use frozen corn?

Definitely. Roast it straight from the freezer to get that charred flavor.

Is this gluten-free?

As long as you use gluten-free pasta like chickpea rotini, you’re good.

Why do I need to cool the pasta?

Warm pasta ruins the creamy dressing. Let it cool completely.

What if I hate cilantro?

Use parsley or just double down on the lime zest.

If you’re loving the bold flavors of this Elote Pasta Salad, you’ll want to check out some of my other favorites that play with similar ingredients and themes:

For an even creamier variation, try my Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad—it’s loaded with flavor and a hit at potlucks.
Need a protein-packed main? Pair this with my Fiesta Lime Chicken for an easy Mexican-inspired dinner.
Craving something hearty with the same street corn vibe? The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a satisfying, flavor-forward option.
Want more corn magic? Don’t miss my Chipotle Corn Salsa—a smoky, spicy side that complements any Mexican meal.
Looking for variety in your cookout lineup? Try my Antipasto Pasta Salad—it’s bold, savory, and totally different but just as crowd-pleasing.

Comments

“Made this for Father’s Day—my dad couldn’t stop eating it.”
“Perfect potluck salad. I added jalapeño and black beans—next-level good.”

Author response: Love hearing that! Jalapeño and beans are a great way to boost flavor and texture. Thanks for making it your own.

Conclusion + Call to Action

This Elote Pasta Salad isn’t just a side—it’s a showstopper. Smoky corn, creamy tangy dressing, pasta that actually brings nutrition to the table—what’s not to love? Try it at your next cookout, pack it for lunch, or make it the base for a full meal. Let me know how you tweak it—because that’s where the magic happens.

And remember—cool that pasta, taste as you go, finish with freshness. That’s how you make it sing.

Want more recipes like this? Visit my Pinterest page where I share fresh ideas, bold flavors, and everything you need for your next crave-worthy meal.

Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

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